Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter
The World Health Organisation has reported that nearly 50,000 confirmed cases of Mpox have been recorded in 28 African countries over the past year, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the most affected.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus marked a year since he declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, following outbreaks in the DRC and other African nations.
“Since then, 28 countries in the African region have reported nearly 50,000 confirmed cases. Overall, few deaths have been reported, and mortality rates remain low,” he said.
Dr Tedros noted that immunocompromised patients, particularly those with uncontrolled HIV, remain at high risk of severe disease.
“We are seeing growing capacity in countries to manage Mpox outbreaks. The declaration of the public health emergency a year ago brought much-needed resources to control these outbreaks,” he added.
However, he expressed concern over recent funding challenges, warning that budget cuts are threatening progress.
“Drastic reductions in foreign assistance are hindering our efforts, affecting access to vaccines and diagnostics, and limiting full implementation of public health measures,” he said.
Dr Tedros urged countries to remain vigilant and continue efforts to suppress the outbreak.
“We call on all countries to stay alert and prioritise controlling outbreaks. We also call on donor nations to show solidarity and support in ending this global emergency,” he concluded.
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